ISO 9001: Quality Management System

WQS is an experienced ISO 9001 consultancy and wecan help companies register for ISO 9001. There are many compelling reasons to gain ISO 9001 accreditation. These include:

Businesses believe it’s a compulsory requirement.

It is seen as a competitive advantage.

Accreditation is a useful marketing tool.

Allows listing as an Approved Supplier.

It opens access to new markets.

A need to obtain a CE Mark or Kite mark registration.

Few Companies Realise The Other Benefits to The Company.
The Tangible Benefits are Summarised Below:-

The benefits report compiled by Manchester Business School included:

Better management control

Improving awareness of procedural problems

Using the standard as a promotional tool

Improving customer service

Eliminating procedural problems

78%

77%

73%

70%

70%

Improving efficiency

Retaining existing customers

Increasing customer satisfaction

Aiding induction

Improving market share

69%

67%

67%

54%

47%

Another survey of “Captains of Industry” by MORI gave very similar results

Improved management control

Improved customer satisfaction

A motivated workforce

Increased opportunity to win work

Increased productivity/efficiency

82%

82%

62%

73%

83%

Reduced wastage

More effective marketing

Reduced costs

Increased market share

Increased exports

60%

52%

50%

49%

24%

The steps to ISO 9001 accreditation.

Each ISO 9001 system is unique to individual companies. The Control Documents and Manuals reflect each company’s own processes and methods it requires to comply with ISO 9001.

A brief summary of the basis steps involved:

Document control: A Quality Manual, Control Documents, a Document register and a Quality Policy are all required. These documents should be listed and the issue status maintained.
Ordering Process: A distinct ordering process should be documented with records of services, products and programs.
Training: A personnel-training record including a skills matrix should be maintained for all staff. Training planning also requires a process.
Company Vehicles: Inspection and maintenance schedules are required for every company vehicle.
Customer Focus: Processes need to be established to manage customers including ways to verify their requirements, record customer satisfaction feedback and complaint handling.
Management Commitment: Regular Management reviews of the company and system performance are required. Improvements should be driven from the top where there should be sufficient resources, desire and leadership to deliver the business/services offered.
Process Management: Defined processes are required to detail what you do and how you do it.
Records: Identify what records are required, how they will be protected and how long they will be kept.
Data: Private information should be protected, stored and disposed off in a secure manner.
Analysis and Monitoring: The methods used to analyse results should be established. Internal audits should be undertaken to identify where improvements can be made and ensure systems are maintained.
Non-conformances: Internal and external non-conformances should be recorded and analysed in order for corrective actions to be taken.
Corrective & preventive actions: All complaints and failures in the processes should be recorded, the root cause identified and corrective actions taken to stop the problem recurring in the future.